LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Earth/Environmental Science

Goal 2: The learner will build an understanding of lithospheric materials, tectonic processes, and the human and environmental impacts of natural and human-induced changes in the lithosphere.

Objective 2.06. Investigate and analyze the importance and impact of the economic development of earth's finite rock, mineral, soil, fossil fuel and other natural resources to society and our daily lives:

  • Availability.
  • Geographic distribution.
  • Conservation/Stewardship.
  • Recycling.
  • Environmental impact.
  • Challenge of rehabilitation of disturbed lands.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

The three “R's” of conservation
The conservation of our resources is in the hands of every individual. Students need to learn the effect of recycling, reusing, and reducing has on our environment and what they can do.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.
Technology and stress on the environment
Students will build a bubble-powered rocket and “blast it off.” Students will examine the stress to their immediate environment, alternative choices, and the cost of repairing the damage. They will list other types of technology and possible environmental stress.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.
Soil and erosion unit: Section 2
This unit will involve descriptive information on North Carolina soil types and how the presence of plants affects soil erosion. This section should be begun only after completion of Soil and erosion unit: Section 1.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Amy Robertson.
Soil and erosion unit: Section 1
This two week unit will involve descriptive information on North Carolina soil types and how the presence of plants affects soil erosion. Upon completion of Section 1, you may continue to Section 2.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Science)
By Amy Robertson.
Evaluating woody biomass options for North Carolina's electricity future
In this high-school lesson, students learn about the pros and cons of co-firing woody biomass fuels with coal to produce electricity.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)
By Dana Haine.

Resources on the web

You've got oil ... or maybe you don't
In this Xpeditions lesson, students are called upon to role-play in an international oil summit. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: National Geographic
Wildlife conflicts
In this lesson, students learn about the conflicts relating to humans and wildlife in prairie habitats. Students perform some of the research, evaluation, and decision-making functions necessary to understand and resolve such conflicts. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
A web of resources
This Xpeditions lesson focuses on the complex nature of resources and how geography is part of the nature of resources. Students are asked to conduct research on selected resources and explore the geographic nature of resources in general. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: National Geographic
Sound the alarm: Can frogs really tell us what's wrong?
In this Xpeditions lesson, students learn about the ways National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tyrone Hayes uses a combination of laboratory and field study to learn about frogs' developmental changes as they relate to chemical contamination of water. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Save the moonflowers
Students learn about botanical artist Margaret Mee and her impact on the preservation of rare flowers in the rainforests, including the moonflower. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Planning for a city's future
Students work in groups to pretend they are consultants who have been hired by the city government. As consultants they will investigate the city's history and geography and report on what significant historical and geographical information the present city... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Natural resources extraction
This Xpeditions lesson encourages students to think about where the natural resources we use come from and the processes by which these resources are extracted. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
If you hear a hoot, then this site is kaput
In this EconomicsMinute, students will learn about which species are covered under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, the different organizations and their philosophies on how to protect these species, and how each group's policies are driven by self interest... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Human impacts in the African rainforest: What we can do
This lesson asks students to examine the human impacts that conservationist Michael Fay noticed on his Congo Trek as well as the areas that are so far free from human impacts. Students will write recommendations to the region's governments and businesses,... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
The Great Plains: A harsh welcome to settlers
Students consider the experiences of settlers on the American Great Plains in the late 1800s and explore the ways in which humans use technology to overcome obstacles in the physical environment. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
The great energy debate
This lesson explores the controversial issues surrounding the energy debate in the United States. Students will research recent initiatives being taken in this area and analyze their implications. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Gold: From the mine to you
This activity asks students to focus on gold and the process that takes it from miners to jewelers. By learning about this process, students will be encouraged to think about the individuals behind the production process and the environmental and human impacts... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Energy: The U.S. in crisis?
This is a single lesson in which students will study and assess the California energy situation. They will evaluate economic, political, and social impacts that have led California to its near critical energy situation. This lesson focuses on how decisions... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Blowing in the wind
In this lesson, students determine the feasibility of wind generation in different areas of the United States and examine the costs and benefits of wind energy. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education